MidWest Leadership School In-Person Event Canceled for this Year
Due to the novel coronavirus, the MidAmerica Region has decided to cancel the in-person Adult and Youth MidWest Leadership Schools for this summer. Originally scheduled to be held at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Illinois, in July, the schools are now scheduled to be held next summer, from July 11 through 17, again at IWU.
Refunds will be issued to any who have paid for this year’s school.
The MidAmerica staff are working on developing leadership training to augment our usual offerings. The Adult school is looking at the possibilities of several Saturdays of leadership engagement over the late summer and fall; details will be sent out through our newsletter and social media sites once the planning has been completed. Alternative virtual offerings for youth are also currently being explored. We realize that we cannot replicate the experience of being immersed in each other’s company, but we can find ways to help develop your leadership capabilities.
MidAmerica Region thanks the many volunteers who make the school possible, and looks forward to meeting again at Leadership School next summer. For questions about the Adult School, please contact Lisa Presley (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). For the Youth School, please contact David Pyle (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
What is MWLS?
What is MidWest Leadership School (MWLS)?
Part of the Unitarian Universalist Association’s nationwide network of leadership schools, MidWest Leadership School is a week-long intensive program in leadership and group dynamics. Through workshops, discussions, and intimate small groups led by lay and ordained staff with a deep understanding of UU congregations, MWLS:
- develops both youth and adults into congregational leaders
- provides leadership tools and skills
- deepens Unitarian Universalist identity
- provides personal theological exploration and growth
- offers exposure to worship service preparation
In exchange for wholehearted commitment to a strenuous schedule, MWLS offers a life-changing and congregation-nourishing opportunity.
What is Youth MWLS?
Midwest Leadership School is a weeklong intensive experience designed to engage participants in all aspects of leadership in a Unitarian Universalist faith community. Since 2009, we are pleased to offer Midwest Leadership School for Youth (ages 14-18) in tandem with our Adult School. It will challenge and train Unitarian Universalist youth in three areas:
- Leadership Skills Development
- Worship
- Religious Values & Heritage
FlameKeepers Donation
Would you like to contribute to the FlameKeepers Fund for scholarships? This Fund is set aside to assist those who wish to attend MidWest Leadership School.
Thank you for your generosity!
Be sure to indicate the Fund you want to contribute to. Please also indicate your Congregation's Full Name and State in the Comments field below. (e.g. Second Unitarian Church of Chicago, IL)
Youth MWLS 2019
This summer I had not dreamed that I would be spending one of the best weeks of my life in Decorah, Iowa with other UU’s who cared for me and what I stand for. But in fact, that is what happened, and I can’t thank everyone who made it happen enough. That week was filled with beautiful memories that flowed into friendships, discussions that reminded me of what I hold dear and leadership skills that left me fired up and excited to do more. This summer was not one to forget.
